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General Category => Photography Techniques and how to's => Topic started by: Carlj on March 21, 2008, 10:55:11 PM

Title: Local Knowledge
Post by: Carlj on March 21, 2008, 10:55:11 PM
Thought I'd start a thread on what you'd expect to find, in our local patches! First one is a dual-base, 20 minutes drive apart!

Stoke-on-Trent

Architecture: Industrial heritage that is fast disappearing - the unique bottle kilns are getting rarer each year. Working pottery museum, Gladstone, allows you to shoot both the kilns, and an historic perspective on our industry here. Elsewhere, the city has a mixture of architecture, little that stands out, though Ford Green Hall is a fine example of a black and white Elizabethan manor house.

Landscape: In the city, not a great deal, but with the Peak District on our doorstep, not a great inconvenience!

Wildlife: Now I'm at home! 13 reserves/country parks spread around the city, covering a number of different environments. Park Hall Country Park has gravel/stone workings, with little owls, green woodpeckers in the dug out cliffs and bottom. Summer features a fine display of spotted orchids and meadow flowers. A great number of dragonfly species can be found around the numerous ponds and pools. Trentham Gardens offers one of England's largest heronries. The lakeside walk offers a glimpse of kingfishers, and early morning can reveal otters. Black Fallow Deer occupy the fields and ancient oak at the rear, with a barn owl spotted most evenings and mornings. And then there's the fantastic Monkey Forest.

Stafford.

The county town, is smaller by far, but a lively town too!

Architecture: Some of the best here is the ancient - anglo saxon church on the high street, castle remains, and some tight curving, narrow alleyways.

Landscape: Surrounded by countryside, with Cannock Chase to the south.

Wildlife: Five minutes from the centre of town, I shot a pheasant (not for dinner!) no more than 6 feet away. A further ten minute walk bought us to Doxey Marsh Nature Reserve. Despite today's hail, saw a Marsh Harrier, along with Teal, Redshank and Snipe. Summer should hold plenty of dragonflies - will update, well, when we get some sun!
Title: Re: Local Knowledge
Post by: alan1572 on July 01, 2008, 11:06:14 PM
where do you live Carl,  Eden?
Title: Re: Local Knowledge
Post by: Simple on July 02, 2008, 10:49:56 AM
Quote from: alan1572 on July 01, 2008, 11:06:14 PM
where do you live Carl,  Eden?
Certainly sounds like it. :D :D

Here in North lincolnshire we have a muddy Humber, flat land, steelworks and refineries.  ::)
Title: Re: Local Knowledge
Post by: guest4 on July 02, 2008, 11:58:45 PM
You got a socking great bridge though  :tup:
Title: Re: Local Knowledge
Post by: Simple on July 03, 2008, 11:16:50 AM
 :-\ Andy it cost £2.70 one way to cross it. Daylight robbery >:(
There are a couple of nature reserves near the bridge though. :D
Title: Re: Local Knowledge
Post by: Tripod on July 04, 2008, 07:01:21 PM
Bristol

We've got a socking great bridge. The Clifton Suspension Bridge by Isombard Kingdom Brunel. Recent increase to .50 p. We all thought that was a big jump from .30p but must say that the lights on it has drawn many photographers to have a go at night shots.
Title: Re: Local Knowledge
Post by: Chris P on August 03, 2009, 10:06:11 AM
Guildford

Has a fairly ugly cathedral, an underwhelming castle and it's very own bearded lady. ;)
Title: Re: Local Knowledge
Post by: skellum on August 03, 2009, 02:21:55 PM
Preston / Lancashire   This is a link to " Our Location "  on my website   www.skellum-photo.com  ( On the Home page click on Our Location )
Title: Re: Local Knowledge
Post by: pocketwitch on October 11, 2009, 05:31:23 PM
Weardale/Teesdale/Durham

Wow well where to start, quite apart from the castle and cathedral in Durham itself.  There's Brancepeth Castle, Witton Castle, Raby Castle, Barnard Castle, is that the castles covered? 
There's two nature reserves that used to be opencast mining sites, one is Low Barns near Witton le Wear/Witton Park, and also Hundred Acre near Oakenshaw/Willington. 
Hundred Acre is closer to me, I'm often there with the dogs, although with a dane and lurcher in tow, no hands left for the camera unless I drag an unsuspecting mate along! 

I could go on, and on, and on,  :2funny: